Food scene
Citrus Grill
20430 E Pennsylvania AveCasual dining; good food; great service; reasonable prices
Don Pepe Mexican Restaurant
20744 W Pennsylvania AveMexican cuisine; reasonably priced
Great for lunch - We like to eat outside overlooking the Withlacoochee River
79 locals recommend
Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant
12189 South Williams StreetGreat for lunch - We like to eat outside overlooking the Withlacoochee River
Front Porch Restaurant
12039 N Florida AveGreat for breakfast and home cooked pies
Ye Olde Sub & Pizza Pub
11223 N Williams StGood Italian food - Family owned and operated
Horseback Riding in the Florida Goethe State Forest
Orange Blossom Trail Rides
10010 SE 125th CtBest non-river vacation experience in Dunnellon
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Horseback riding in the Florida Goethe State Forest
Most of your activity will be on the river, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. However, check out horseback riding at Orange Blossom Trail Rides in Dunnellon.
What to pack
Bathing suits and groceries
Pack light - Everything else you need is supplied.
Ways to save
River access and exit sharing
Because we have two vacation rentals on the Rainbow River, our guests enjoy river access and exit privileges at both houses. This lets you avoid the new $25/person charge at the KP Hole (the county park). Their new rule is you can't bring your own tube; you have to purchase one of theirs. Our guests aren't affected, though; you can launch at Meraki and float an hour and a half downriver to Chimera.
Traveling with kids
Toddlers playing in the river...
If you have small children who will want to play in the water, Meraki is a better choice for your family than Chimera. Chimera has a dock - great for bigger kids who will be jumping into the water and swimming back to the dock ladder. Meraki has a wide clear beach area that slopes gently into the river. Great place for toddlers to enjoy the water (under your constant supervision of course).
Book before you go
Pet Free or Pet Friendly...?
We offer two vacation rental properties on the Rainbow River. Chimera (25715495) is Pet Free; Meraki (37329725) is Pet Friendly, subject to a Pet Fee. You will want to choose before you book.